Al Jazira keep UFL title hopes alive with 2-0 win over Al Nasr

Abu Dhabi: Al Jazira kept up the pressure on neighbours Al Wahda in the UAE Pro Football League (UFL) with a 2-0 win against Al Nasr late on Friday and any slip-up by the leaders at this stage could prove costly with just three weeks to go in the competition.

Al Jazira increased their tally to 44 points, two behind Al Wahda who faced Emirates on Friday night. Al Nasr, with 19 points, find themselves in a difficult position.

Goalkeeper stands tall

Al Nasr were clearly the better side in the first half having taken control of midfield and organising some dangerous moves into the home team's goalmouth but Ali Khaseef, the Al Jazira's custodian, denied them repeatedly.

In the second half, Abel Braga, the head coach of Al Jazira, brought in Ali Mabkhoot to replace Brazilian Rafael Sobis who was off colour. The young local striker made an immediate impact combining well with Ebrahim Diaky and Toni.

Toni put the home team into the lead from the penalty spot after Mohammad Nasrati, the Iranian defender, brought down Diaky inside the box in the 69th minute and Mabkhoot added the second just four minutes before the final whistle.

It was the Al Jazira's 17th victory against Al Nasr in the two clubs' history. Al Nasr have won the same number of times and interestingly the two teams have also settled for ties on 17 occasions.